Weeden finished 26-of-43 passing for 292 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions. The problem came in the second half when the Browns struggled to move the offense and Weeden threw an unforgivable interception (see: below).

“This was one game. Brandon played well in spurts and at times made a couple of critical mistakes. … Looking all the way back, there has been improvement and growth in his game.

“I go back to the Buffalo game where he made plays and was a big part of us winning,” he added, referencing Weeden’s successful relief appearance for fallen starter Brian Hoyer in Week 5. “What we have to do is work with him to eliminate the critical mistakes.”

Weeden, in reality, wasn’t the sole reason for the Browns loss. A 17-7 lead at halftime vanished. The loss has as much to do with a lack of second half adjustments by the Browns and poor defensive play.

Detroit came out at halftime and exploited a pair of match-ups the Browns couldn’t counter. Reggie Bush was used more in the passing game and proved to be a complete mismatch for Cleveland whether a linebacker or a safety covered the Lions’ RB. The Lions also exploited the height of 6-8 TE Joseph Fauria. Fauria finished the game with three touchdown receptions.

The Browns defense also struggled to apply pressure — it’s signature all season — on Lions QB Matthew Stafford. Stafford got the ball out quickly and was only sacked one time.

The Browns, meanwhile. didn’t adjust on offense. A trio of three-and-outs ensued after the break. The Browns only ran for three yards on three carries throughout the entire second half. One of those was an one-yard scramble by Weeden.

Weeden may have struggled, particularly in the second half, but the onus of Cleveland’s 31-17 loss doesn’t fall entirely on the QB.